Plans to relocate Muswell Hill library have come under fire after the council included the “well-used and popular” community resource in its budget cuts proposals.

Opposition Liberal Democrat councillors and their MP Lynne Featherstone this week launched a petition criticising the lack of clarity over the future of the Grade II-listed building in Queen’s Avenue, after Haringey Council earmarked it for potential redevelopment and the library for possible relocation.

While the council says it is aware the library is a valued resource, it is considering moving it to an alternative high street location or creating “a new, purpose-built library” as part of the redevelopment of the site.

But there are no estimates given of timescales or potential gains or savings for the council, other than cutting one member of staff at the library by 2018.

Muswell Hill Lib-Dem councillor Gail Engert said: “I am very worried that the council’s budget papers imply that Labour has plans to use the library for a development without giving a firm commitment to keep a local library service in Muswell Hill.”

Not much has changed since Muswell Hill library opened in 1931.

But Cllr Jason Arthur, cabinet member for resources and culture, said the council has “no intention” of closing any libraries.

The budget document says the current premises are “not ideal” as it is “expensive to maintain” and access to the children’s library on the first floor is difficult for parents with buggies.

+ A month-long public consultation on the draft budget proposals is under way before finalised plans go before full council in February.